2 States

My review: 2 States

After Chetan Bhagath’s novels were successfully made into feature films with “3 Idiots” and “ Kai Po Che”, now third in the line is his debut novel “2 states”. Adapted on the screen and directed by Abhishek Varman “2 states” deals with the clash of cultures, ethos, mores, customs and lifestyles when two people who belong to different regions of the country fall in love. Though this is not the first time theme of this type is dealt with onscreen, like Chetan’s previous works, the subtle humour (though there are generous dose of racial slurs and cultural stereotypical jokes) laced with impactful emotional connectivity the script has with the audience bodes well for this movie too. 

Abhishek Varman has adopted the novel well onscreen. Many script-writers lose out on the intensity and emotional connect a novel might have with the readers but here Abhishek has managed it very well. The central idea of a Tamil girl and a Punjabi guy falling in love and wanting to get married with the approval and blessing of their parents by trying to make them see eye to eye is in itself a subject inherent with lots of firework. The writer has to just channel it in a proper manner so that the impact is maintained throughout. Abhishek has sure done it with aplomb making it a thoroughly enjoyable fare. 

Alia  Bhatt after her immensely impressive performance in “Highway” has again carried this movie on her shoulders with ample support from Arjun Kapoor. She has gotten into the skin of the character of Ananya Swaminathan, making her detractors eat humble pie who espoused reservation on her essaying the role of a Tamil girl. She gets her Tamil right in those places where she mouths them though they are few and far in between. The amazing transformation from Alia Bhatt, the person into Ananya Swaminathan on screen is amazing. Arjun Kapoor plays second fiddle to Alia though he is the narrator and has more scope. The support cast led by Revathi and Amrita Singh spice up the proceeding.

On the flip side, the number of ethnocentric jokes and dialogues could have been toned down a bit. Though the makers have aspired for realism on screen it may raise a few eyeballs down south especially those slurs on the colour of the skin. Especially the dialogue in response to “90% of the Tamilians are better qualified to marry my daughter”, “...but 90% of the Tamilians are dark-skinned no..?!”.  By trying for humour at the expense of skin colour, the makers have once again proved how regressive their thinking is.

On the whole, “2 States” is entertainment guaranteed if one is prepared to overlook minor insensitivities on the part of the makers.

Bottomline:  Triumph of  love.

3.5/5